Bernard Tissier - Sports and Holistic Massage Therapist

Introduction

Massage can trace its history to 3000BC in ancient China.  The Ancient Greeks and Romans used massage as part of their everyday health and fitness routines,with modern-day Turkish baths being the nearest equivalent to a Roman bath.  In India, massage has always been a key part of Ayurvedic medicine, and Shiatsu is the direct descendant of Japanese pressure-point massage.

Modern-day massage is based on techniques developed in the 18th and 19th centuries by Per Henrik Ling from Sweden, and to this day it is still referred to as Swedish massage.

In the late 19th century massage became associated with prostitution.  To overcome this the Society of Trained Masseuses was formed in 1884, which later became the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Massage was used extensively as a medical treatment, and in the two world wars helped in the treatment of nerve injuries and for rehabilitation.

In recent years, the increased awareness of complementary therapies and alternative medicine means that massage, in many diferent forms, is now an accepted and reputable therapy, benefitting both physical and psychological problems.

Sports Massage

Sports Massage (also known as Deep Tissue Massage) is a hands-on therapy that has the following benefits:

  • maintains the body in good physical condition
  • helps to prevent injuries in potential trouble spots
  • assists in repairing and restoring mobility in injured muscle tissue
  • boosts athletic performance and endurance
  • extend both good health and overall life of sporting 'career'

The focus of sports massage is in identifying and treating muscle tissue which, for whatever reason, is restricted in its performance.  This may be due to a traumatic injury (torn hamstring, muscular bruising, sprains and strains etc) or it may be an overuse injury caused by a small problem which has got worse over time through repeated movements or postural deficiencies (stiff neck, tight upper back, lower back pain, 'knotty' muscles etc).

Although it is called Sports Massage, it is not only for athletes.  Many instances of tight muscles are caused by workplace issues such as lifting heavy objects or repeating the same movement many times.  This also applies to persons with young children who may suffer from back problems due to having to continually bend down.

Any form of muscular tension can be treated by Sports Massage.

Various techniques are used, ranging from long strokes to warm up and relax the muscles to very focussed pressure techniques that may be applied to an area of muscle no bigger than the tip of your little finger.  The key thing is that a sports massage must progress from light superficial strokes and deeper strokes before starting on the very specific deep tissue techniques. 

Holistic Massage

Holistic Massage is a complete head-to-toe massage using gentle flowing techniques in order to relax the mind and body. 

This can result in:

  • improved skin tone and colour
  • better circulation
  • improved lymph drainage and reduced swelling
  • reduced muscle fatigue and soreness
  • improved general relaxation
  • better sleep pattern
  • reduction in anxiety and stress
  • lift the emotions and increase positive feelings
  • invigorate the body systems
  • increased body awareness

The strokes used in Holistic Massage are essentially the same as for Sports Massage, with the exception of the deep tissue techniques.  The aim is to promote relaxation in both mind and body, and the massage may be accompanied by meditative music and scented candles to enhance the relaxation.  This is time for you to forget the stresses and strains of the outside world and just let yourself go for an hour.

If appropriate, a mix-and-match approach to the techniques used during the massage can be adopted.

Seated Acupressure Massage (chair massage)

A 20-minute massage using acupressure points on the 12 major meridians accessible on the back, arms, hands, neck and legs.  The massage helps to stimulate and balance the flow of energy in the body, which in turns stimulates the circulatory, muscular, nervous, immune and lymphatic systems.  It also promotes the release of endorphins and mood-regulating neurotransmitters, leaving you in a relaxed but energised state.

Seated Acupressure Massage can help with:

  • Backache / Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Asthma
  • Headaches / Migraines
  • Toothache / Sinus Problems
  • Fatigue / Anxiety / Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Digestive problems / Menstrual Pain
  • Helps boost immune system
  • Improved flexibility and reduced stiffness